As we welcome in 2024, it has been another fantastic year of growth for AFC Fylde Community Foundation.
As the official charity of AFC Fylde, this year, we have been able to support thousands of people living in Fylde, through 24 programmes across three areas: Community Development, Employability and Skills, and Schools.
The period saw us further developed key strategic partnerships and we are now uniquely placed to tackle some of the key issues that our community is facing, alongside combating broader local challenges, and supporting national agendas.
It has been a year of progression and achievements for the Foundation.
In November, we were recognised at the Northwest Football Awards in November, being highly-commended in the category of Community Club of the Season – All Other Leagues.
Throughout this year, we have formed a closer relationship with AFC Fylde which has ranged from matchday activities at our new Community Corner and mascot opportunities for youngsters, to player appearances at half-term Soccer Schools and Activity Camps.
This achievement was a very proud moment for everyone involved with the Foundation, which saw our work highlighted amongst Premier League and English Football League clubs, as the charity of a National League Club.
We have also been able to secure additional funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to provide a ground-breaking Loneliness Prevention Project, supporting those over 65 in our community who are feeling lonely or isolated.
Another positive highlight includes our partnership with the University of South Wales and EFL Trust to deliver degree programmes in sport for local young people, who can learn and study with us at the Foundation.
We would like to place on record our appreciation to our dedicated Board of Trustees, who go above and beyond to provide invaluable support to the Foundation’s activities.
Over 400 children were supported through our annual Fylde Kids Christmas Gift Appeal, which ensured vulnerable families were able to have something to smile about during the Festive period.
Thank you to all our partners, sponsors, and fundraisers – in particular, Fylde Council, Lancashire County Council, The National League Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund - who have supported AFC Fylde Community Foundation over the past 12 months, we look forward to developing new initiatives in 2024 that will have a lasting impact on communities in the Fylde Borough.
Looking forward to 2024, it promises to be an exciting year for the Foundation, with new programmes and projects set to be launched.
From all the staff at AFC Fylde Community Foundation, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.
Wesley Partington
Comments